Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine: How Weight Loss Affects Fertility

An estimated 12 percent of all infertility issues are weight related and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) is one of the most helpful things patients can do to enhance fertility. In regards to Chinese Medicine extra weight is considered “dampness” or mucus the body is holding on to . . . which in turn is very clogging and disruptive to normal tissue health, organ function and hormonal balance.

If a woman’s uterus is surrounded by this “dampness” it can affect the success of implantation from an IUI or IVF procedure. Dampness traps toxins and makes for a very unhealthy internal state in your body. A lot of foods also create inflammation in the body, which is another factor that is very detrimental to an embryo implanting. Food is medicine, so if you are eating foods that are inflammatory or mucus (“damp-heat”) producing they will move through the digestive tract disrupting cellular/tissue function and therefore uterus health; this is because the uterus resides next to the digestive tract allowing for tissue-to-tissue transfer of damp-heat.

Clinical research proves that overweight women have lower success rates when it comes to IVF and points out that not a ton of weight loss is needed to dramatically increase chances of success. Motivated by this thought within a short amount of time Acupuncture and the Chinese Medicine Healing Diet can drain the “dampness” and clear inflammation. Clinical research has shown that 60 percent women who lose just 5 to 10 percent of their overall bodyweight resume regular ovulation, or can expect better success with regards to IUI/IVF cycles. Not only is this great news, but the initial weight loss will also help to ensure a healthier pregnancy and toxic-free environment for your growing baby.

For more information on Acupuncture and how it can help with your success at InVia Fertility Specialists, please visit: www.tcmchicago.com